Catholic Relief Services seeks $5 million over the next 3 years to provide humanitarian assistance to 21,000 children affected by the ongoing Syrian civil war. The escalation of turmoil in the region calls for a significant expansion of assistance for those who are the most vulnerable: children.

CRS and our partners will scale up programming in Lebanon and Jordan to help the most vulnerable displaced Syrian families with a special focus on education and emotional healing for children. We are deeply grateful for your consideration of support as we bring education, healing and hope to the children who need us most.

Now in its sixth year, Syria’s internal armed conflict has taken an alarming toll on millions of people—and the war continues to wage with no end in sight. The widespread insecurity and unbearable economic conditions have resulted in the displacement of 11 million people, with nearly 5 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The majority of the displaced are women, children and the elderly. It is the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Syria’s neighboring countries are bearing a heavy burden. Lebanon and Jordan are now home to nearly half of the Syrian refugee population, with more than 1 million refugees in each country.1 Syrian refugees now represent 25 percent of Lebanon’s total population, a higher proportion of refugees than in any other nation.

After 5 years, Syrian refugees are losing hope that there will be a political solution to end the conflict anytime soon. In their host countries, they have limited livelihood and education opportunities, and living conditions are steadily deteriorating. Their savings have been depleted and they have had to sell their valuables to cover rent, food and other basic needs. Refugees have become increasingly vulnerable to risks like child labor, begging and child marriage.